It is the policy of NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) to manage the diversity of our employees by fostering an inclusive work force, building an environment that respects the individual, and offering opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. Diversity is the mixture of differences and similarities each employee brings to the workplace to accomplish the goals of the NWS.

Diversity management is a long-term change strategy enabling the NWS to improve its culture to ensure all employees are making maximum contributions to the mission of the NWS. We will foster an inclusive, supportive, open, challenging and innovative work environment to enable employees to be positive, creative and reach their full potential.

Each employee, at all levels within the organization, has an active role in implementing the NWS Diversity Management Initiative. Management officials at all levels share responsibility and are accountable for achieving our diversity management goals. If diversity management is to be embraced, it must be integrated successfully into all facets of the organization's structure. Established NWS diversity management initiatives must continue to be guided by the leadership's full commitment and employees' full participation. Full support of the NWS Diversity Management Policy is critical to diversity implementation initiatives.